Giulio Armani’s 2020 Catavela: Fresh, Lively, and Natural with Unmistakable Elegance
Giulio Armani, a renowned winemaker and pioneer of natural wines, founded the Denavolo winery in 2005. Located in the hills of Colli Piacentini, the winery works according to the principles of organic farming, focusing on native varieties and traditional winemaking techniques. The vineyards are located between 350 and 600 meters above sea level, benefiting from calcareous soils and an ideal climate to preserve freshness and acidity in the wines, even in the hottest years.
The Basics
Producer: Denavolo (Giulio Armani)
Vine: Blend of Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, Ortrugo, Marsanne, Trebbiano, and other local varieties.
Vintage: 2020
Region: Emilia Romagna, Italy
Alcohol content: 12%
Aging: stainless steel for 8 months, no sulfites
Production technique: partial maceration on the skins for 6 days (orange wine).
Organoleptic Characteristics
The 2020 Catavela has a golden yellow color, tending towards amber thanks to the maceration of the skins. It is not exactly a hard and pure orange, but the style is that. On the nose, it reveals aromas of peach, apricot, and a light touch of dried rose. On the palate, it is a fresh and medium-structured wine with a jovial and gentle acidity and a light tannic presence that does not weigh down but rather plays down the entire fruit load. Overall simple and delicious. The finish is savory, with an almost herbaceous note.
Terroir and Service Details
The vineyards are located between the valleys of the Trebbia and Nure rivers in Emilia-Romagna, with altitudes that vary between 350 and 600 meters. The terrain is mainly composed of calcareous and rocky soils, which favor mineral and fresh wines. The vinification of Catavela 2020 follows the principles of natural wine, without the addition of sulfites and with spontaneous fermentations. The grapes are hand-picked, and half of the mass is macerated on the skins for 5–6 days, while the rest is pressed directly. The wine is aged for about 8 months on the fine lees in stainless steel, without filtration or clarification, to maintain its integrity and complexity.
Serving Temperature: 12-14°C
Pairings
Catavela 2020 pairs perfectly with grilled fish, shellfish, paella, chicken tikka masala, Chicken Cacciatore, Vitello Tonnato, truffle risotto, pasta alla carbonara.
Price
14-15 euros is a very fair price.
